25
Aww, Crap
I was just getting excited about the Giants’ prospects this year:
David (Florida)
Hey Joe! Who do you think is the best improved team this year?
Joe Morgan (12:02 PM)
I guess you would have to say the Giants in the National League because they have made the most moves. If their moves work out or not, we’ll have to wait and see. In the American League I’ll say Seattle. On paper both teams did a good job of improving themselves.
We’re doomed.
PS Sadly, the professionals are long since retired, but I’m guessing they’d agree that ‘because they made the most moves’ is not, strictly speaking, particularly rigorous reasoning for why you are selecting a ballclub as the most improved. The word Joe may be looking for is ‘best’, as in ‘because they made the best moves’.
Oddly, David (Florida) uses the word ‘best’ in the construction ‘best improved’, when he seems to mean ‘most’ as in ‘most improved’. There is always a bizarre kind of aphasia in Joe Chats … and this little exchange is a most best example of it.
Brad adds: The Giants are going to be competitive based on their pitching alone. Lincecum is a special talent, Cain isn’t far behind and Zito… well, he pitches a lot of innings. Offensively, Sandoval is a mid-order bat but he’s pretty much alone out there. Buster Posey will be an asset when he comes along. They’ve got enough chips to acquire another bat during the season. They should be pretty good.
Nom de Plume said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:04
Comment Spam Protection by WP-SpamFree
Word Press not doing job it was hired to do. (And if I have any trouble posting this comment, I’m gonna be fucking pissed.)
John O said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:13
That’s just sports-speak, D.
If you can understand it, it’s fine.
Whale Chowder said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:19
I’d like to request that the spampost be removed.
And it’s nice to see that Seattle’s getting noticed for all its moves over the off season.
Whale Chowder said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:23
By the bye, I do have a Giants hat and a Croix de Candlestick but really the A’s were our team when we lived in the Bay Area. Back in the era of the Bash Brothers. When men were men and steroids were not spoken of.
B Monty said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:23
Damn!
And I’m a Mariners fan, too….
Substance McGravitas said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:23
That unbroken string of Golden State championships under Don Nelson testifies to that.
Big Bad Bald Bastard said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:29
Giants, or Judases?
According to family lore, my great-grandmother used to take the roundabout subway route from the Bronx to Upper Manhattan to watch the Giants play.
S. cerevisiae said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:34
We’re gonna win Twins, we’re gonna score…
Nom de Plume said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:53
Well, now my post makes no sense, but whatever.
JK47 said,
February 25, 2010 at 6:34
“If their moves work out or not, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Classic JoeChat. The Giants made some moves, and as a result they may be better or they may not be better, depending on what happens in the games. The real key will be if the Giants are consistent. “Consistent” is JoeSpeak for “good.”
N__B said,
February 25, 2010 at 6:48
According to family lore, my great-grandmother used to take the roundabout subway route from the Bronx to Upper Manhattan to watch the Giants play.
My father took the bus from Tremont down…
FlyingToaster said,
February 25, 2010 at 6:59
I believe that this is where we Massholes post the traditional…
{Ducks, runs for cover behind screaming two-year-old WarriorBabyGirl.}
FlyingToaster said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:01
FYWP. I had the Brady-love embed in preview. Son of a bitch.
Click here, then damn your eyes.
Brad said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:06
“Consistent” is JoeSpeak for “good.”
“Consistent” is JoeSpeak for “I don’t really know what makes team succeed and fail in this league.”
Dhalgren said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:16
Lincecum is a special talent, eh? On our beloved Red Sox, he’d be the long reliever, kinda like Bronson Arroyo was.
Yeah, I know I shouldn’t be rubbing the NLs nose in it (and I love the Pirates and Mets). But the NL is AAA compared to the AL.
But we know this, right?
Dr. Squid said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:16
I’m watching for the Pads this year. After they hit bottom 2 weeks after the break, their record with their young players, people coming back from injury, and what they reaped from the Peavy trade extrapolated to a win total in the low 90′s.
Phillies still win the pennant, though.
Dhalgren said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:17
I do miss Fire Joe Morgan
Nylund said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:19
Granted, Lincecum is awesome and Cain is pretty good. but the rest of the rotation? Sanchez, Zito and “unknown Mr. 5″ (possibly AAA kid Bumgarner), aren’t anything to get too excited about.
Panda is pretty good, but probably can’t hit 30 hrs, and neither can anyone else, nor can anyone else bat .300. Molina, Rowand, Renteria, and Huff are all old, over the hill, and overpaid. Sanchez is more banged up than we know. Posey ain’t ready and can’t catch a fastball. Wilson is over-rated.
Compare them to the Cards or the Phillies and it is quite clear that although they may go over .500, they are not a serious threat in the league.
D. Aristophanes said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:38
Nylund – my thought was that the Giants revert a bit this season and drop off a bit from last season’s 88 wins. The offense is just really not promising. Molina being re-signed means we’ll waste 400 ABs on not just the slowest guy in the league but also maybe the worst OBP guy who’s a regular player. Last year in friggin’ June he had a quote in the Chron about how proud he was that he’d only drawn 4 walks so far … not a good sign.
The rotation, though — obviously Timmy’s great but I think Cain was maybe a little lucky last year. J Sanchez is kind of a wild card, emphasis on wild, but he’s got some really good stuff so if he can figure out how to control it … he might be good enough to trade for a bat before the deadline.
Moving on, Zito really has to pick it up earlier in the season. Here’s hoping some of this shit is in his head and he returns to his A’s form. No. 5 is Baumgartner’s to lose … he’s lost some velocity in recent years, apparently, but is still meant to be a pretty good pitcher.
D. Aristophanes said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:41
BTW, Dhalgren – it’ll be interesting to see how Halladay does with the Phils. If the AL’s as great as you say, he should be markedly better in the NL. That’s going to be a tall order, though, but as Joe might say, we’ll have to wait and see.
roboteating said,
February 25, 2010 at 7:50
Wait. So the Mariners are fucked too? Maybe Milton Bradley wasn’t the best get, but we have Cliff Lee (once he recovers from foot surgery.) Oh, shit. Fuck fuck fuck.
A concerned citizen said,
February 25, 2010 at 8:23
Richie Sexson is the Babe Ruth of Liberal Fascism.
Esteev said,
February 25, 2010 at 16:02
Joe Morgan also “thinks” Dusty Baker is a great coach… despite Dusty’s aversion to base runners.
Esteev said,
February 25, 2010 at 16:07
I know I’ll be called horrible horrible names but, as a Yankees fan, there is little reason to believe they won’t repeat. Their rotation is stacked with the addition of Vasquez and the lineup should be even more potent than ever; like Kramer. The only question is age. The Yanks are going to get really old in a hurry. Here’s to the Fountain of Youth aka World Series Rings!
actor212 said,
February 25, 2010 at 16:10
Esteev,
They’ll be lucky to beat out the Blue Jays.
They’re old, and they rely too much on Martiano (sic) to get them out of trouble. Granderson is not either Matsui or Damon, and neither of them was much last two seasons anyway. Nick Swisher got lucky last year, and will return to his usual splinter-picking ways.
So the entire offense will consist of Jeter, A-Rod, Texiera, and maybe Cano. Not bad, but not enough to beat Boston.
tigrismus said,
February 25, 2010 at 16:10
Here is how it will go down this season. First, the games in Virginia and Georgia, and they’ll be declared for the Giants. You’ll be disappointed, but “no big deal, change can’t come overnight” will be your comment. Florida will lose to them, and a little nervousness will creep in. The usual suspects will fall into the usual categories. As the season drags on, games with Ohio, Colorado, and (much to your horror) Pennsylvania will be too close to call.
My advice at this point to you will be to go to bed. You will wake up to a Giants series and the Great Baseball Freakout will be on.
Bookmark this, baseball fans, as this is exactly how it is going to go down. You will be wonder how the hell I was able to call this.
actor212 said,
February 25, 2010 at 16:24
LOL!
Tig? Can I have your baby?
tigrismus said,
February 25, 2010 at 16:32
It’s not ripe yet.
actor212 said,
February 25, 2010 at 16:43
Dammit! I have a beaujolais nouveau that I’m dying to open.
Brad said,
February 25, 2010 at 16:59
BTW, Dhalgren – it’ll be interesting to see how Halladay does with the Phils
Oh dude — I expect Halladay will ROCK with the Phils. He’s a ground ball pitcher who will have two of the best defensive players in the league — Utley and Rollins — playing behind him. Add in the fact that 3B Polanco is a converted third baseman and you’re looking at 20 wins for the Doc.
actor212 said,
February 25, 2010 at 17:07
I expect Halladay will ROCK with the Phils.
I think they gave up a little more in Cliff Lee than they got back. Short term, bad deal. Longer term, probably for the best: they get a younger pitcher of almost equal value, especially if the Seattle prospects actually turn out to be the real deal.
twif said,
February 25, 2010 at 17:10
@ dhalgren: i miss “fire joe morgan” too. nothing annoys me more than having to watch a game called by miller and morgan (except, perhaps, having to watch it on fox). you’re lucky if they can get the player’s names correct.
also, it’s cruel to call the NL a AAA league. they’re AAAA.
Oblio's Cap said,
February 25, 2010 at 17:23
It’s only to be expected that you liberal bastards would be rooting for Nancy Pelosi’s hometown team!
At least it’s a National League team. The DH rule sucks.
actor212 said,
February 25, 2010 at 17:30
also, it’s cruel to call the NL a AAA league. they’re AAAA.
Whereas AL is really AA.
And I mean the group that meets Monday nights in the church rectory.
Esteev said,
February 25, 2010 at 17:54
So the entire offense will consist of Jeter, A-Rod, Texiera, and maybe Cano
Actor, that ain’t bad at all. And Swisher is an on-base machine! Toss in 30 homers and what? he got lucky? He’s not an avg. guy. Don’t need him to be.
As for Granderson, the jury is still out on that trade. If he is down in the order he could do some damage in that park.
Martino (sic) is a freak of nature I’m not too worried about him. If the Yanks are smart Chamberlain will set-up and Hughes will start.
But again, they are getting old.
actor212 said,
February 25, 2010 at 18:37
And Swisher is an on-base machine! Toss in 30 homers and what?
He turns 30 this year. I expect that his numbers last year were inflated by the protection he got hitting in that line-up. I don’t expect him to be in 150 games again this year. Maybe 130-135. That alone knocks probably 20 points off his BA, and drops his HR total by five.
Plus the age thing…I don’t see him hitting 20 HRs.
Teixiera also turns 30. He had an aberrant year last year, so I expect his production to decline, too.
A-Rod, of course, is 35. His numbers have long shown a drop-off (after you factor in his steroid use).
Curiously, if I was MLB, I’d be testing Jeter.
Esteev said,
February 25, 2010 at 19:11
his (Swisher) numbers last year were inflated by the protection he got hitting in that line-up.
And thats going to change? He’s not an everyday guy. Having that eye off the bench is a great asset.
And Teixiera was insane last season (helped me win a Fantasy Baseball Championship!) I find it hard to believe that at 30 he’s going to decline sharply enough to cause problems.
This lineup looks purrrty good to me.
Jeter’s another story. It’s time to look for a new SS.
May I assume your allegiances lie with the Metropolitans?
actor212 said,
February 25, 2010 at 19:19
May I assume your allegiances lie with the Metropolitans?
You may. You may also assume I am a Rangers, Jets, and Knicks fan.
Go ahead, laugh. I do.
Esteev said,
February 25, 2010 at 19:45
Wow, we’re complete opposites besides politics?
I’m an Islanders fan so I do hate you more for being a Rangers fan more than anything else. Those other teams are just Cute.
actor212 said,
February 25, 2010 at 23:29
It’s OK, Esteev…I won’t hold it against you…
*koffkoff1983clapclapclapclapclaclap1983clapclapclapclapclaclaphock*
Ed Hospodar said,
February 26, 2010 at 0:40
Stop talking about the Islanders. You people are triggering me .
Jay B. said,
February 26, 2010 at 0:49
I think they gave up a little more in Cliff Lee than they got back.
Depends on the Cliff Lee. The one from 2007 was demoted. The one from 2008 was awesome. Halliday, on the other hand, is a rock. More consistent, more reliable, a better overall pitcher.
The one big thing is that the Phils play in an AL-style bandbox and that plays very small for lefty power hitters, so his NL numbers might not be that much better than his AL, but his AL numbers were awesome anyway. Pencil him in for 18 to 20 Ws.
That said, the Phils need what’s his name to bounce back. The defeatist lefty, that guy.
The Yanks are unbeatable. Better, by far, than anyone else. The Sox and Rays, both improved, will be lucky if they don’t call their Yankee games after 7 innings. They don’t have a single weakness. More Gods, than men, actually.
Dr. Squid said,
February 26, 2010 at 1:08
The Yankees don’t have a single weakness, except for maybe the Early Bird Special at IHOP.
Tehanu said,
February 26, 2010 at 2:53
I thought they did fire Joe Morgan, but he just didn’t notice.
actor212 said,
February 26, 2010 at 15:19
Stop talking about the Islanders.
Hospodar was to enforcers what Bush was to Presidents.
There. I said it. But then I was pretty good friends with Nick Fotiu.
actor212 said,
February 26, 2010 at 15:20
The Yanks are unbeatable.
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeea…no.
actor212 said,
February 26, 2010 at 15:20
However, I’m not going to say “Bookmark this, libs,” cuz I know how brutal you guys can get :-D
Santa Claustrophobia said,
February 26, 2010 at 22:59
Is Brad really just an alias for Damon Bruce? Drinking the Kool-Aid is no excuse to post meaningless babble about how the Giants have the pieces to obtain hitting.
You see, they don’t. They’re missing something important. Mainly, a GM that can evaluate talent and the guts to make a deal with some impact. If they even sniff the playoffs this year, it’ll be because everybody else in the West sucked out loud.
liberalrob said,
February 27, 2010 at 0:08
I predict Bumgarner takes over as #3 starter this year. The Jints have good pitching. Offense, not so much. I doubt it will be enough to catch the Dodgers, but it may be good enough for 2nd.
redoubt said,
February 27, 2010 at 0:29
Joe Morgan also “thinks” Dusty Baker is a great coach… despite Dusty’s aversion to base runners.
. . .and his inability to handle a pitching staff.
Yes, I’m a Cub fan, and yes, I’m still pissed about 2003.